The Best Playgrounds in Adelaide Where Even the Pickiest Kids Can Find Their Happy Place
- Glenelg Foreshore Playspace
- Polonia Reserve
- Thorndon Park Reserve
- Harts Mill Playground
- Hindmarsh Square Playground
- Morialta Mukanthi Nature Play Space
- Prospect Memorial Park
- Princess Elizabeth Playground
- Marshmallow Park Playspace
- Bonython Park
- Semaphore Beach Playground
- Hazelwood Park Playground
- Waikerie Water & Nature Play
Even tiny tots need to blow off steam, and what better spot to let loose and run wild than the top playgrounds of Adelaide?
Whether your kid is itching to climb bars mini Tarzan-style, slide to their heart’s content, or swing like they’re auditioning for the circus, kid-friendly spots like Thorndon Park and Morialta Playground are where the fun vibes never take a rain check.
Glenelg Foreshore Playspace
From daniellesiridean
Address: Jimmy Melrose Park, Moseley St, Glenelg
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
With grassy areas, beach vistas, and enough space for zippy kids, Glenelg Foreshore Playspace is something out of your tiny one’s dream.
The playground is for kids who love to climb, slide, and splash. Highlights include a thrilling 4-meter slide, a fun carousel, and a water pump that turns into a mini river—total crowd-pleasers.
There’s also a trampoline, balancing beams, and even hammocks for the ultimate play break. Just don’t forget to pack sunscreen!
Tip: Things get wheely fun here from October to April when the seasonal Giant Wheel makes an appearance!
Polonia Reserve
From sigorvisi
Address: Essex Cres, Croydon Park
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Polonia Reserve kicks off with a bang—a massive 7-meter-tall, 12-meter-wide soccer ball that kept our kids occupied for hours. It’s essentially a climbing structure, but with childlike imagination, it can be a fortress or a giant trophy!
This place also scores big with an open kick-about lawn perfect for budding soccer stars and a play space that doubles as a water wonderland. The latter is amazing for turning a hot day into a splash fest.
Tip: With the water-play feature around, it’s smart to pack extra clothes for the little splashers.
Thorndon Park Reserve
From subtlecurrytrait
Address: Hamilton Terrace, Paradise
Contact Details: (08) 8366 9222
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Thorndon Park Reserve is where creativity meets play. Think of it as a theme park without the dreaded lines or overpriced snacks.
Eight playful themed zones keep the excitement rolling. From the Bird Song area with its percussion play and climbing sculptures to the Flying Zone featuring a liberty swing, this place has something for every type of play.
Our kids’ favorite is the Gathering Zone, which is packed with features for any age. It has youth spaces, sports courts, a ninja warrior course, and even table tennis—talk about an all-in-one playground.
Tip: Bring a bike or picnic essentials. Thorndon Park Reserve has cycling trails and picture-perfect picnic spots.
Harts Mill Playground
From letitiawinter
Address: 9 Mundy St, Port Adelaide
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
One look at the Harts Mill Playground and we wondered if yellow is the color of fun.
Fully fenced and jam-packed with yellow-colored play features, this playground boasts a giant spinning wheel, an interactive sand station, and everyone’s go-to, a double flying fox, a zipline suitable for kids and kids at heart.
Other child magnets include the 7.5-meter-tall slide, the climbing frame, spinners, and the quirky hamster wheel for kids to burn off that extra energy. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without swings for the classic playground experience (prepare to push).
Tip: For the sake of your precious skin and sanity, check the weather forecast before heading here. Shade is minimal, so swinging by on a hot day can be more stress-inducing than fun for yourself and your child.
Hindmarsh Square Playground
From uniadelcollege
Address: Pulteney St &, Grenfell St
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Hindmarsh Square Playground isn’t your basic swing-and-slide setup. This place turns playtime into an art exhibit with its massive, whimsical art sculptures that spark the kids’ imaginations.
How they interact with the sculptures depends on your kids’ idea of fun and play. Ours climbed and slid under the oversized and seemingly random objects.
This playground is also spacious and lush, perfect for children to run wild. The only bummer is the sculptures are exclusive to children 12 and under. Sorry, teens and grown-ups, adulting strikes again.
Tip: Hindmarsh Square is a popular picnic ground. Go with the flow, bring some picnic bites, and unwind while your kids mix creativity with good times.
Morialta Mukanthi Nature Play Space
From nature.learn
Address: Woodforde SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8204 1910
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8 am to 5 pm
- Sat to Sun – Closed
Morialta Mukanthi Nature Play Space is a wild adventure land for kids aged 5 to 15. We say “wild” because it’s basically a rugged but safe mix of nature and play.
The features are inspired by animals and the things they do or make. For example, there’s a maze called the Great Snake and climbing structures aptly named Kookaburra Nests.
Plus, there are three climbing boulders to sharpen those rock climbing skills. Ensure to bring sturdy shoes too, as the area has easy walking trails perfect for post-play strolls.
Tip: Don’t let your kids run out of fuel. Bring something you can grill and take advantage of the nearby BBQ facilities.
Prospect Memorial Park
From x_mrs.lee_x
Address: 1 Menzies Cres, Prospect
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
With its magical garden theme, it’s not hard to see why Prospect Memorial Park is memorable—no pun intended.
Your kids will really get moving here, whether they’re building sandcastles, reaching new heights, playing tag or hide and seek, or getting soaked in the water area.
There’s even a separate area for bigger kids with age-appropriate slides and climbing ropes. The only problem with this spot is its lack of shade—a problem you won’t have by visiting on a cool day.
Tip: Planning to host a party? You can book Prospect Memorial Park as your event location!
Princess Elizabeth Playground
From nia.indriani_
Address: 35 South Tce
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Princess Elizabeth Playground is a royal treat for kids with its giant spiral slide, arguably the spot’s most played-on feature.
But that’s just the beginning, as this playground is also stacked with in-ground trampolines, swings, see-saws, monkey bars, and dual climbing towers that’ll keep the little adventurers pumped.
In addition, there are BBQs and picnic tables that can handle a large group. If your kids are as spirited as ours, they’ll probably spend the day’s end feasting here.
Tip: Got sporty kids? Don’t forget to bring a ball, as there’s a free basketball court near the playground.
Marshmallow Park Playspace
Address: Pelzer Park, Glen Osmond Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Marshmallow Park Playspace is like a little slice of natural wonders and playground essentials. It’s also fully fenced and shaded by a towering fig tree to keep the heat at bay.
Moreover, it has all the classics—swings, slides, and a sandpit. This doesn’t mean there are no twists though, as there’s a water feature hill connected to a giant sandbox, perfect for some wet and sandy fun.
The playground is also accessible, with inclusive equipment designed for kids of all abilities. Additionally, you’ll find a nearby tennis and basketball court, best reserved for the bigger boys and girls.
Tip: If you’re cruising with your car, the nearest parking spot on Glen Osmond Road is available between 10 am and 3 pm.
Bonython Park
From trixib3ll3
Address: Livestrong Pathway
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Our kids are pint-sized thrill-seekers, so bringing them to Bonython Park is part of our routine.
The park’s playground has a massive spinning hamster wheel that’s even bigger than the one in Mukanthi. It’s just the warm-up, though; the real star is the 25-meter flying fox lines.
Are your kids not into extremely thrilling play features? Don’t worry, as there are also standard swings, slides, and a water play area, complete with pumps and even a watermill.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring some spare cash for delicious brews and bites!
Cafe Bonython is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the playground. It’s the perfect spot to chow down and sip on delights while keeping an eye on the little ones.
Semaphore Beach Playground
From runf1footballrepeat
Address: 66-67 Esplanade, Semaphore
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Semaphore Beach Playground is another seaside hangout your kids will thank you for.
It has climbing equipment, slides, a flying fox, and tunnels galore. And don’t worry about them wandering off. This place is fully fenced, so you can relax while they let loose.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Semaphore Beach Playground is also home to a skate park for the mini Tony Hawks in your crew, as well as expansive grassy areas ideal for picnics or impromptu games of tag.
Tip: If you or your kids don’t like huge crowds, avoid this playground during the weekends.
Hazelwood Park Playground
From cityofburnside
Address: Hazelwood Ave, Hazelwood Park
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Hazelwood Park Playground is the total package, serving up both natural wonders and epic play features that’ll have your kids jumping for joy.
There are swings and a climbing hill with slides for both the tots and older kids. They can also zip through the air on not one, but two flying foxes, or spin ‘til they’re dizzy on the roundabout and stand-on spinners.
And when they need a break from all the action, the perfect spot to chill out is in the spacious grassed areas or the Memorial Avenue of Gum Trees.
Tip: Even though they’re not everywhere, be ready for those bothersome bugs, particularly when it’s warmer. Have insect repellent handy to keep them away from your kids.
Waikerie Water & Nature Play
Address: Waikerie Holiday Park, 7 Leonard Norman Dr, Waikerie
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
With a mix of standard playground equipment, a nature play area, and six water features, the Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park has something for every little adventurer.
As for our kids, most spent the majority of the day (and their energy) climbing on the nets and balancing on the wooden planks. A few of them crawled through the tunnels and zoomed down the slides.
But for mini-mes who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, there’s a wheelchair-friendly merry-go-round for spins that are just as wild.
Tip: With the abundance of water play features, bring spare clothes for the little ones who can’t resist getting drenched!
